Abstract

The effects of a fat-free or clofibrate-supplemented diet on gene expression of several lipogenic enzymes was investigated in mammary gland and liver of lactating mice. In lactating mammary gland, stearoyl CoA desaturase (SCD) mRNA expression was increased 2.1-fold (P<0.05) by feeding the fat-free diet, whereas clofibrate had no influence compared to control diet. Fatty acid synthase (FAS), acetyl CoA carboxylase (ACC), thioesterase II and lipoprotein lipase (LPL) mRNA levels in lactating mammary gland were unchanged after feeding the fat-free or clofibrate diets compared to control. In livers from lactating mice, the fat-free diet increased expression of SCD 5-fold (P<0.05) and FAS 10-fold (P<0.001) compared to control. ACC expression was unchanged by either the fat-free or clofibrate diet compared to control diet. These data show that, in lactating mammary tissue, expression of key lipogenic enzymes may be manipulated by diet, thus offering a potential means to modify milkfat composition.

K, Singh, DG Harley, MR Grigor, and TB McFadden

Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production, Volume 60, Hamilton, 311-313, 2000